Coins

The euro coin series comprises eight different denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, €1 and €2. The euro coins have a common side and a national side. The national side indicates the issuing country. The common sides of the coins were designed by Mr Luc Luycx of the Royal Belgian Mint.

They show images of the European Union or of Europe and symbolise the unity of the EU. The 5, 2 and 1 cent coins show Europe in relation to Africa and Asia on a globe.

You can use any euro coin anywhere in the euro area.

€2 commemorative coins

Each country may issue two commemorative coins per year. These coins have the same features and properties and the same common side as normal €2 coins. What makes them different is their commemorative design on the national side. Only the €2 denomination can be used for commemorative coins.

They are legal tender throughout the euro area. That means they can be used – and must be accepted – just like any other euro coin.

Responsibility for coins

Unlike banknotes, euro coins are still a national competence and not the ECB's. If a euro area country intends to issue coins bearing new motifs – such as on a commemorative coin – it has to inform the European Commission. The Commission will then publish the information in the multilingual Official Journal of the EU (C series). It is the authoritative source upon which the ECB bases its website updates on euro coins.

Too many coins and banknotes in circulation could lead to inflation, which is precisely what the ECB aims to control by maintaining price stability. Therefore, the ECB is responsible for approving the volume of coins that euro countries may issue. In the case of banknotes, the ECB both approves the volume and issues the notes. more